Royal Chapter#42, Order of the Eastern Star of Chatfield, MN

05/15/2026

Today we were able to present a donation to the Chatfield Community Foodshelf.

Thank you to the Royal Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #42 in Chatfield for the donation to the food shelf. They raised funds during the Winona State Fair and chose to share the proceeds with their neighbors. Making the world a better place is one of their mottos. Find out more about Eastern Star at www.mnoes.com

05/09/2026

At Royal Chapter #42 in Chatfield, we believe the lessons of the Eastern Star aren’t just stories — they’re meant to be lived.

One of the most meaningful examples is Electa, known as the “Lady Elect,” and honored as the Red Ray of the Star.

Her story comes from the Second Epistle of John, where she is described as a woman who walked in truth, led her family in faith, and stayed strong in her values. We don’t know every detail about her life — but we know the kind of person she was. And that’s what matters.

Electa represents something we could use more of today: steady, faithful love.

Not just words… but actions.

Love that shows up.
Love that stands firm.
Love that does what is right — even when it’s not easy.

That’s why the Red Ray reminds us to:
❤️ Stand firm in our values
❤️ Support and protect our families
❤️ Stay grounded in truth
❤️ Show love through service — not just words

In a world that’s constantly changing, those lessons still matter — especially here in Chatfield and throughout Fillmore County.

At Royal Chapter #42, you’ll find people who are striving to live those values every day — building friendships, supporting one another, and making a difference in their community.

If you’ve ever been curious about what we do, or if you’re looking for something more meaningful to be part of…

📩 Message our page today. We’d be glad to talk with you.

05/08/2026

Over the past 60 years, fraternal organizations across the country—including groups like the Order of the Eastern Star—have seen a steady decline in membership. But it wasn’t because the values disappeared… it’s because the world changed.

Families became busier. Work schedules became less predictable. Technology made it easier to stay connected from a distance—but harder to build real, face-to-face relationships. Many organizations that once sat at the center of community life slowly faded into the background.

But here’s the truth…

👉 The need those organizations filled never went away.

In fact, in many ways, it’s greater now than ever before.

People are looking for connection again.
They’re looking for something real.
They’re looking for purpose, friendship, and a place where they truly belong.

That’s exactly what organizations like Royal Chapter #42 still offer.

We’re not just about tradition—we’re about community.
We’re not just about meetings—we’re about meaningful relationships.
We’re not just about the past—we’re about building something that still matters today.

Right here in Chatfield and the surrounding communities, there are people who want to be part of something bigger… they just haven’t been invited yet.

Maybe that person is you.

If you’ve ever felt like something is missing…
If you’ve ever wanted to be more connected…
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved but didn’t know how…

📩 Send us a message. We’d love to talk with you and answer your questions.

05/07/2026

MYTH: “You have to be good at public speaking to join.”

Let’s start here—a lot of people are uncomfortable with public speaking.
Not just a few… a lot. And if that’s something that’s ever made you hesitate, you’re in good company.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a public speaker to be part of Royal Chapter.

Eastern Star is about friendship, belonging, and purpose—not standing in front of a room and giving speeches. While there are opportunities to take part in speaking roles, those come over time and only if you want to grow into them.

Many of our members started out quiet, unsure, or even nervous… and found confidence simply by being part of a supportive, welcoming group here in Chatfield and throughout Fillmore County.

Others choose to contribute in ways that don’t involve speaking at all—and they are just as important to what we do.

What really matters is:
✔ Being part of a welcoming group of women and families
✔ Building friendships and connections locally
✔ Having a place where you belong
✔ Growing at your own pace, in your own way

There’s no pressure. No spotlight. Just people who understand and support each other.

💬 If you’ve ever thought about joining but weren’t sure if you’d “fit,” send us a message. We’d love to talk, answer your questions, and help you feel comfortable taking that first step.

05/06/2026

Some of the most influential people connected to our region also shared a connection to the Order of the Eastern Star—and their story is closer to home than you might think.

One of those individuals was Augustus W. Stinchfield.

Born in 1842, Stinchfield served in the Civil War before pursuing medicine, studying at Bowdoin College and the University of Michigan. His journey eventually brought him to southern Minnesota, where he practiced in nearby Eyota before being invited in 1892 by Dr. William Worrall Mayo to join the growing medical practice in Rochester. He would go on to become one of the original partners in what became the Mayo Clinic.

He and his wife joined Aroura Chapter in Eyota when they moved to the area, and they were charter members of Rochester Chapter #193 .

That connection hits especially close to home.

Today, many people from Chatfield, Fillmore County, and Stewartville travel to Rochester every day—working at the Mayo Clinic, businesses supporting it, or relying on it for care. It is a place that touches countless lives in our area. Knowing that one of its early leaders was also part of Eastern Star reminds us that the values we talk about—service, compassion, integrity, and faith—have always been part of the fabric of this region.

Those same values are still alive today in Royal Chapter #42.

We are a local group of people who believe in friendship, supporting one another, and making a difference right here in our communities. Just like in Stinchfield’s time, Eastern Star brings together people who want to live with purpose and be part of something meaningful.

If you’ve ever wondered what the Order of the Eastern Star is about—or if you’ve thought about getting involved but weren’t sure how…

📩 Send us a message. We’d be happy to visit with you and answer any questions.

05/05/2026

🎹 The Office of Organist – A Beautiful Way to Be Part of Something Meaningful 🎶

At Royal Chapter #42 Order of the Eastern Star in Chatfield, every member brings something special—and for some, that gift is music.

The Office of Organist plays an important role in our Chapter. Through music, this position helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere during meetings and ceremonies. It’s not about putting on a performance—it’s about helping others feel connected, comfortable, and part of something meaningful.

For many of our members—especially women in the Chatfield, Stewartville, and Fillmore County area—this is one of the most fulfilling ways to get involved. It’s a chance to share your talents, build friendships, and be part of a group that truly values what you bring to the table.

🎼 Maybe you’ve played piano for years…
🎼 Maybe it’s something you haven’t done in a while…
🎼 Or maybe you’re just looking for a place where your talents are appreciated…
We are always looking for those who would be willing to share their musical talents and be part of our Chapter family. You don’t have to be perfect—just willing.

Royal Chapter #42 is about friendship, purpose, and creating something meaningful together—one note at a time.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved or share your musical talents, message our page today. We’d love to visit with you and help you take that first step.

05/04/2026

One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Do I have to be religious or belong to a church to join?”

The answer is simple — no, you do not.

At Royal Chapter #42 Order of the Eastern Star in Chatfield, we welcome women (and qualified men) from many different backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. You don’t need to attend a specific church, and you don’t need to be an expert in religion.

What is important is a belief in a Supreme Being.

This shared belief is about recognizing something greater than ourselves — a foundation of faith, hope, and moral values that guide how we live, treat others, and serve our community. It’s similar to the spirit behind “In God We Trust” — a unifying idea that brings people together, even if their individual beliefs look a little different.

Our members include people from many different faith traditions — and even those who are not currently active in a church — but who still hold a personal belief in God. What matters most is your heart, your values, and your desire to be part of something meaningful.

If you’ve been curious but unsure whether you “fit,” this might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

✨ You don’t have to have it all figured out.
✨ You don’t have to belong to a church.
✨ You just need a belief in a higher power and a desire to grow, connect, and serve.

We are proud to be a welcoming part of the Chatfield and Fillmore County community, offering friendship, purpose, and the chance to make a difference locally.

👉 Have questions or wondering if this is right for you?
Send us a message — we’d love to talk with you and help you learn more.

05/02/2026

Today marks the final day of Grand Chapter for the Order of the Eastern Star in Minnesota—a meaningful and memorable moment each year.

This is the day when new leaders are chosen and installed to guide the Order forward. The election and installation of officers is more than just a tradition—it represents continuity, trust, and the future of the organization. Members from across Minnesota come together to witness this important transition, support one another, and celebrate the work that has been done over the past year.

For members of Royal Chapter #42 here in Chatfield, Grand Chapter is also a reminder that while we are a local chapter rooted in Fillmore County, we are part of something much larger. The friendships and connections made during these few days stretch across the entire state—and even beyond. It’s a chance to meet people who share your values, build lasting friendships, and be part of something that truly matters.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved, this is a perfect example of what membership can offer. You don’t have to start at the state level—your journey begins right here at the local level, with Royal Chapter. From there, opportunities to grow, connect, and participate naturally follow.

We are always happy to answer questions and help you learn more about what we do and how you can be a part of it.

👉 Send us a message today to start the conversation—we’d love to connect with you.

05/01/2026

Today is Day 2 of Grand Chapter—and it’s a day that really shows how connected the Order of the Eastern Star truly is.

While Royal Chapter #42 is proud to call Chatfield home, Grand Chapter reminds us that we’re part of something much bigger.

Day 2 is especially meaningful because it’s when we welcome distinguished guests from across Minnesota, as well as national leaders and visitors from other states. It’s an opportunity to hear their insights, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that connect chapters near and far.

It’s not just about formal sessions—it’s about relationships.

Members spend time reconnecting with friends, meeting new people, and building connections that go far beyond their local chapter. Whether someone is from a nearby town in Fillmore County or across the country, there’s an instant sense of familiarity and shared purpose.

That’s one of the things many people don’t realize…

When you join a local chapter like Royal Chapter #42, you’re not just joining a small group—you’re opening the door to a much larger network of people who share similar values of friendship, service, and tradition.

For many of our members, those connections become one of the most rewarding parts of being involved.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved but weren’t sure how it all works, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

📩 Message our page today to learn more about how to become part of Royal Chapter #42 right here in Chatfield. We’d love to answer your questions and help you see what it’s all about.

04/30/2026

Today marks the beginning of Grand Chapter… but what does that really mean—and why is it called “Grand”?

For many in Chatfield and throughout Fillmore County, this is something they’ve heard of… but never quite understood.

Grand Chapter is the annual gathering of members from across the state who belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. It’s where representatives from local chapters—like Royal Chapter #42—come together to share ideas, conduct important business, recognize accomplishments, and strengthen the organization for the year ahead.

But the word “Grand” isn’t about size or ego.

It reflects something deeper.

“Grand” means it operates at a higher level—bringing together all the local chapters under one unified structure. It’s about leadership, tradition, and connection beyond just one town. It’s what helps keep organizations like ours strong, organized, and active in communities like Chatfield, Stewartville, and the surrounding area.

And while Grand Chapter happens at the state level…
everything it supports comes right back home.

It helps local chapters:
✨ Stay active
✨ Support charitable work
✨ Build friendships and connection
✨ Keep traditions alive for the next generation

For many members, it’s also a reminder—they’re part of something bigger… while still making a difference right here in their own community.

If you’ve ever wondered how organizations like ours continue for generations… this is a big part of it.

And if you’ve ever been curious about joining but weren’t sure where to start… you’re not alone.

👉 Send us a message—we’d be happy to share more about what we do and how it all works.

Women can join directly, and men may also join through Masonic eligibility requirements.